CILL

About Us

Who We Are

Campaign for Independent Living in Lewisham (CILL) was set up in 2005 by a small group of disabled people living in Lewisham. The aim was to promote Independent Living for all disabled people whatever their impairment.

We believe that equality is possible and can be achieved through removing the barriers to our social inclusion. This belief is called the Social Model of Disability.

At the present time, day to day responsibility for CILL is with our Editor (Arthur Verney) and Co-ordinator (Denise Smith). There are also 4 Trustees (Marcia Jones, Gary Evans, Steve Cheeseman and Mark Smith).

What We Do

CILL operates as a communication network of disabled people across the London Borough of Lewisham. Our free services are intended to give information and raise awareness on issues affecting disabled people both locally and nationally. Through our network disabled people can belong to a strong, supportive and vocal local community.

Information and advice - "Disability Review" monthly news sheet, Web site, Email, and telephone service.

Campaigning - on issues directly brought to us by local people.

WindowCILL - a group network allowing CILL members to meet each other online.

Community Development - working and supporting local developments to make a difference in our local community and to fully involve disabled people.

Disabled people's research - we know we are excluded and discriminated against but CILL provides research to support our experiences.

Service Development - work with agencies that are working to provide sensitive, accessible, inclusive services.

How We Do It

CILL works in the London Borough of Lewisham supporting other disabled people to improve their lives - we campaign for change and we develop new services in the control of the people who need and use them.

We are completely independent but work in partnership with non-governmental organisations in the borough. We are a company limited by guarantee and registred as a charity.

All our trustees, editor and co-ordinator are disabled people so CILL is in the control of people who know about segregation and exclusion first hand. We believe that our experiences as disabled people are valuable - that we know what we need to live our lives. By sharing our experience and supporting each other we can influence and change services.

CILL is not a membership organisation and our free services are available to any disabled person living, working or studying in the Borough of Lewisham.

As disabled people fight for the right to independent living and funding cuts impact on their services and organisations, campaigning may be needed as never before. If you can support us in any way or need our assistance please Contact Us.

How To Get Involved

If you care about the civil rights and social inclusion of disabled people, here are some ways you can support our work:

• If you are a disabled person living, working or studying in the London Borough of Lewisham you can use any of our free services.
• You can also become an Individual Member giving you the opportunity to vote at CILL’s Annual General Meeting.
• If you are a non-disabled person you can support our work by subscribing to ‘Disability Review'.
• Whoever you are, you can support us by making a Donation